A Snowy & Rocky Weekend

I was hoping for a snow day today but that wasn't to be, so a day in the office it was!

I had a really lovely weekend, even though it didn't quite go to plan.  Sometimes that is a good thing. I am a planner and very rarely do things on the spur of the moment.  I had planned to visit a couple of local wedding Fayre's yesterday but due to the snow thought it would be pointless going as it would either be cancelled and a waste of my journey through the country lanes or some of the exhibitors wouldn't turn up so still a waste of a journey.  So instead I spent Saturday afternoon making Rocky Road (my own slightly different version to how I think it is supposed to be made)  James Mum had some Granola she was going to throw.  The thrifty person inside me jumped at the chance for using them in a bit of creativity in the kitchen.  After having a rummage through the cupboard of all my baking ingredients I came up with a lot of baking chocolate and sent James out to buy some Maltesers and marshmallows.

What a treat, it was delicious.  We spent Saturday evening in our PJ's wrapped in a blanket and watched Miss Potter.  I loved it and surprisingly so did James. It brought back many memories of the Lake District and we have decided we would like to go back there again.  I love the story about Beatrix Potter and feel she is a credit to any female author.  She was such an inspirational person and it is lovely how she will live on forever more through her work and creativity.  If you haven't seen the film yet, I would highly recommend it.  It goes down well with a bit of rocky road too : ) especially as the snow is falling pretty hard outside the window.

Instead of the wedding Fayre's Sunday we visited some friends, played in the snow and had a lovely beef casserole for dinner mmmm.  Not quite what we had planned but it was perfect.

How was your weekend?

Love Gem x x x x

Upholstered Footstool Workshop

On Saturday myself and my mum had booked up to go on an Upholstered Footstool workshop.  We were both really looking forward to it and were not disappointed on the day.

Not only were we going to be covering the footstool but actually making it as well, I was very impressed and even more excited after learning this.

The equipment all laid out and my chosen fabric ready to start work.

Gluing the second layer of padding onto the wood.

Covering in polyester

And trimming the edges.

Cover with a firm and thick layer of material.

Following with chosen material, then adding some material to the bottom to make it look neat and tidy.

Mum stapling on her fabric.

Then screw the legs onto the bottom and there you have it, a completed footstool.

I am so pleased with my finished product.  I may take the legs off and paint them white but I'm not too sure just yet.  What do you think I should do?

So easy to make and such a great idea for gifts.  Plus I learnt something new so something to cross off my winter list :)

I have started my new job today, so far so good.  I am currently at home on my lunch break, yes I said it, at home on my lunch break.  I Know I can't quite believe it myself.

Back tomorrow with how I spent my Sunday .

Love Gem x x x x

New Years Resolutions 2012

I like to make new years resolutions that I know I will be able to keep.  I am not one of these people that sets goals like loose weight, eat healthier, get fit etc.  I like to be a bit more realistic and if I'm honest with you I probably won't do any of these things so I am sticking with a the same theme as last year, which may I add, I kept all of them, how chuffed am I!

So here are my resolutions for 2012.

It is about time I learnt how to cook.  A proper meal, not a microwave meal or beans and scrambled egg on toast.  I have never really wanted to learn before and so have never paid much attention, but now I'm ready, it is time and I want to learn.  Wish me or should I say my teacher (mum) luck ha ha.  I am hoping this book that James' mum bought me for Christmas will come in handy.

I kind of fell off the band wagon with my crafting last year, I want to do more crafts at home.  I love working with textiles and now with a new sewing machine courtesy of my Nan I hope to be able to do that.

So there you have it, my goals for 2012.

There is still time to enter into my swap if you haven't already done so.
 

On the topic of swaps the wonderful Julie and Pretty Little Jewels is also hosting her very first swap.  It would be great if you could join in.  She is hosting a recycling of gifts swap.  I have never heard of a swap like this before and I must say I really like it.  It is a great thrifty idea with a creative spin.  to find out more about it click onto her post here, I know she would be happy to have you.

Thanks for reading today.  I'd love to hear of any resolutions or goals you have set for yourself.  And if you have, how likely do you think you will stick with it?

~ Gem x

Winter List 2011

OK so I know winter doesn't officially begin until next week but firstly I have plans for this blog for next week already, I know some of you know what this is already so until then sssshhhhh it's still a secret.  For the rest of you, you will find out on Saturday and secondly it is so bloody cold out there it feels like winter so as far as I am concerned it is winter. 

 

I have really struggled putting this list together so there are fewer things then what I would usually have, but let's face it, it is a fairly dull time of year once Christmas is out of the way, however I am hoping this year will be different but I won't be holding my breath.

I'm well on the way for finishing my Christmas list so will update on this after Christmas if not before.  And I shall be working on these activities over the next couple of months.

Happy Wednesday,

~ Gem x